Maple Leafs end road trip with 4-1 win over the Oilers

The Maple Leafs finished off their western road trip with a win in Edmonton. The Leafs finished the road trip 3-1. It was a positive ending for the Leafs as they steer towards a playoff spot.

All Hands On Deck

It was a real group effort last night in Edmonton as depth in the lineup was key in the win. During this road trip, the top six Leafs forwards played phenomenal. However, when the superstars had an off night, the role players got the job done.

Kerfoot had a goal and assist to finish the game as the first star. Mikheyev scored ending his near two month drought without a goal. Gauthier scored his third of the season tying his career high in a season after only 30 games. Pierre Engvall continued to impress as he recorded two assists in the game while playing very strong on the defensive end.

Holl Stepping Up

Justin Holl had himself a night. Holl was great in the absence of Barrie, who had left the game in the first after blocking a shot. Holl played a solid 26:10 in the win which helped earn him the second star of the game.

Scratched more than 70 times last season, not many felt Holl would become a full time NHL defensemen. Under Keefe, Holl has been able to flourish. Since Keefe’s first game, Holl has recorded four assists and a +/- of + 2. The trust that Keefe has in Holl shouldn’t come as much of a shock. Holl was apart of the many great seasons Keefe had with the Marlies and now it’s translating at the NHL level.

Historic Win For Andersen

With the win on Saturday night, Fredrick Andersen notched his 200th career win. This is a huge milestone as he becomes the fastest European born goalie to reach 200 wins. Andersen was able to secure the win in his 344th game. Among all-time records, he sits fourth fastest as only hall of famers Ken Dryden, Jacques Plante and Capitals goalie Braden Holtby have done it quicker.

Andersen continues to impress this season despite the Leafs struggles. At this point of the season, he is the MVP of the team. Leading the league in wins and keeping the Leafs above water with no help from the backups has been very impressive. Andersen may have been passed up on the Vezina trophy in years passed but this season he is proving to be the number one choice.

After their second road trip in less than a month, the Leafs will head home to face the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.